Pearl Earring Styles: Which One Suits Whom and Where

A timeless accessory, the pearl earring can accompany you in every setting, from the morning rush to evening receptions. However, not every style is designed for the same use. The earring that is put on in a hurry in the morning and forgotten until evening and the earring that draws attention at a reception have different qualities. With this in mind, we have put together the pearl earring styles in the Ecru Atelier collection for you.

Pearl Ball Earrings: Elegance You Put On and Forget

Stud earrings, the simplest and most elegant form, have a single pearl sitting directly on the earlobe. In the collection, the pearl size ranges from 3.5 to 9 millimeters, and as the size increases, the earring moves from everyday wear toward a more striking look.

Comfortable with hair worn up as well as down, this style stands out as the first choice for office outfits.

Hoop and Dangle Earrings: The Ones That Add Movement to the Face

On a hoop earring the pearl sits on a metal hoop. On drop styles there is a piece that moves downward.

Both add movement to the face, but each carries a different character. The hoop style looks more geometric and modern, while the dangle style gives a softer look. On round facial features, vertical dangle earrings lend length to the face, while on long faces the hoop style looks more balanced. We recommend that you take a little care when wearing dangle earrings with textured garments such as knitted sweaters and shawls.

Baroque Pearl Earrings: Each One Unique

Baroque pearl: the name given to a pearl that is not perfectly round. Since each one grows in its own way, the two pearls in a pair are very close to each other but never exactly the same.

This unique character is the very quality sought by those looking for an organic look. Appearing less formal than the classic round pearl, baroque pearl earrings go particularly well with textures such as linen and denim and with everyday outfits.

Black Pearl Earrings: For Those Who Want to Step Outside the Classic

Black pearl is often thought of as an alternative to white pearl but creates an effect of its own. It forms a distinct contrast on fair skin, while giving a softer look on darker skin.

In styles that use black pearl in baroque form, the color is not uniform. Depending on the light, tones leaning toward green and purple appear. For those who are new to black jewelry, a small ball earring is an elegant starting point.

925 Sterling Silver or Gold Plating?

The earrings in the collection are made in two metals: 925 sterling silver and gold plating over brass.

925 sterling silver is a safer choice for sensitive ears. It can tarnish over time, but when polished it returns to its original look and can be worn for many years. Gold plating, on the other hand, gives a warmer color and goes well with gold jewelry. To extend the life of the plating, we recommend that you avoid contact with perfume, sea water and pool water, and that you put the earrings on last and take them off first. For those with a metal allergy, we recommend 925 sterling silver.

The Factors That Determine the Value of Pearl Earrings

Three factors determine the value of pearl earrings: the pearl itself, the metal used and the workmanship. For the pearl, what is decisive is size, surface smoothness and luster. On the metal side, 925 sterling silver and gold plating offer different qualities.

For practical ways to tell whether the pearl you bought is real, you can take a look at our article How to Tell If a Pearl Is Real for details.

A small ball earring for everyday wear, a dangle style or a larger ball for receptions and weddings, baroque or black pearl for stepping outside the classic, and 925 sterling silver for sensitive ears are each an ideal choice. You can discover the pearl earrings that suit you best in the elegant collection of Ecru Atelier.